Member Since: 07 Feb 2011
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 214
18in vs 19in advice?
Hello all, have 18in with the standard Wranglers. So, a two-part question:
Are there any appreciable ride/handling advantages to either staying with 18in or changing to 19in?
And either way what's a good replacement for the Wranglers, which seem to tramline all over the place, and generally seem very bouncy?
I quite fancy the General Grabbers, which seem a good all-round tyre. Live in Switzerland, so have a full set of replacement rims and tyres (Blizzaks) for the winter, but wouldn't mind a tyre that can handle some slush in the beginning of winter before I swap over.
Mostly on-road, but Swiss roads are, generally, rubbish so don't want to go totally road-biased. My previous car was an Audi with low-profile tyres and lowered suspension, and so have suffered 5 years of teeth slamming together and spinal compression over the "non-optimal" road surfaces. Definitely regret shelling out for "sport" suspension.
I think that was more than two parts. But any advice gratefully received while I trawl the other threads. Thanks!
10th Apr 2011 7:48 pm
jsamuelson
Member Since: 07 Feb 2011
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 214
Anyone? I have now actually been through all 37 pages of threads without finding anything definitive!
A few people have said that the ride is better on 19" even though it theoretically shouldn't be.
Is it worth buying new wheels for a slight improvement?
Would the ride and handling improve if I stayed with the 18" wheels I have, but got a "beefier" tyre like the Grabbers?
Would really appreciate some advice! Thanks!
11th Apr 2011 6:50 pm
jum649
Member Since: 21 Feb 2010
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 331
I was on 19" scorpion zero's as standard for the HSE. Got the opportunity if some cheapish 18's with tyres that I put on pending some suspension work.
Buth me and SWMBO both prefer the ride and driving on the 18's, to the extent that even tho they may not look so good, we have stayed with the 18's with our new set of tyres.
I'm sure not everyone agrees though!
11th Apr 2011 7:00 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73090
My tyre of choice 18" Pirelli ATRs. Otherwise it's 17" Contis, great in the visits to the sandy places, until they had their little upsets!
11th Apr 2011 7:04 pm
Simons17
Member Since: 12 Aug 2010
Location: beverley north yorkshire
Posts: 233
bigger profile side wall should tram line less so in theory the 18s should have better road manners, Grabbers are getting hard to find now, but everyone i now with them on say they are very good.
but i must say for road and off road i preffer my 17s to my 18s. iam on 265 65 17s ATs and standard 18s 255 60 18s scorpions. the 17s are very cheap now. I had no problems in the snow here ( you guys up there will call it a bit of slush) and see no real drop in fuel economy.
11th Apr 2011 8:47 pm
jsamuelson
Member Since: 07 Feb 2011
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 214
Thanks chaps! I think you may have just rescued me from some marital strife.
Contis pretty much available everywhere here in Switzerland. Although after a good trawl of the forums I understand they may not be knobbly enough...
Now I'll just wait for two contrary opinions and I'll be just as undecided as previously.
Cheers!
11th Apr 2011 8:51 pm
Hoss
Member Since: 29 Oct 2010
Location: Thaxted Essex
Posts: 71
Have just changed from 18inch XS wheels to 19inch RRS wheels and not impressed with ride quality at all.D4 XS
2010 Buckingham blue
13th Apr 2011 9:32 am
jsamuelson
Member Since: 07 Feb 2011
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 214
What tyres did you go for Hoss?
13th Apr 2011 10:24 pm
chalky
Member Since: 21 Aug 2008
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 3145
I have an XS with 18's as standard, I convinced the brother in law to swap over his 19's before he traded it in !
4 days later I persuaded him to swap me back as I didn't like the ride with 19's
14th Apr 2011 6:37 am
Hoss
Member Since: 29 Oct 2010
Location: Thaxted Essex
Posts: 71
scorpion zeros JS, part worn which came on rims off ebay. dont know if it is just tyres or the combination, could be back on ebay soon !!!D4 XS
2010 Buckingham blue
15th Apr 2011 7:34 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
My HSE came with 19" but they are now in the garage and the D3 is now riding on 18" wheels. They feel much better than the 19" but not as aesthetically pleasing.
Before the LR 'enhancement' package that changed the suspension setting back is 2006 or so the D3 felt fine on 19" wheels but the 'upgrade' knocked a little shine of the ride of the 19" wheels.
8th May 2011 6:21 pm
jsamuelson
Member Since: 07 Feb 2011
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 214
Mine's 09MY. I've more or less decided to stay with the 18s and get some chunky Grabbers to go on them. Thanks all for good advice.
Next job is to find a General Tyre source in Switzerland not charging crazy money for what they deem as unusual tyres.
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Otherwise it's 17" Contis, great in the visits to the sandy places, until they had their little upsets! 
